Frequently Asked Questions
How is your name pronounced?
Because my name is Germanic, 'there is an umlaut on the 'a', and the 'h' is silent in 'Käthe'. My name is my first and second names hyphenated. (so don't use my last name) The accent is purely up to you how it sounds, but phonetically it is 'LissaKate'
Where are you from?
I am from Armidale, NSW Australia, it is the highest city in Australia around 1,000mtres above sea level and has a cool climate, similar to Scotland at times, so I am not truly a hot climate person. I have lived in Scotland for a while, So if you would like to send me a letter or share with me something from your part of the world , you can email me and I will give you my postal address.
What is the genre of your music?
Much of my music is often described as being classical/ethereal. I compose mainly from my piano and layer other instruments and vocals in as they inspire me. My subject matter is neither ancient nor modern, but is more a way of a metaphor to describe the way I like to interact with the world and that is why it has 'Inspirational' or 'New Age' elements. I also adore composing for visual as well, like films and documentary. Sometimes it crosses over into pop and Folk. ultimately it is 'Female Composer'
What instruments do you use?
I am firstly a Pianist, I have a great love for the Piano, but I have always played other acoustic instruments like Guitar, Recorder, Xylophone, Button Accordion, pump organ and Fretless Bass guitar. More recently I have been learning Cello and aim to learn different stringed instruments like Harps, Zither and other strung traditional instruments. I utilize electronic sounds of coarse, but in my heart I dream they are a true orchestra. I also like creating and being inspired by anything that makes a sound really. I adore playing percussion and have a collection of small drums and bells etc.
Do you really compose and arrange all your music?
Yes I do. I love the process of composing and the creative inspiration as it develops and grows. One instrument simply inspires another and so on. Often a whole piece can be completely formed and arranged in hours, other times it can be a slow emerging process of weeks or even months. I even have a few pieces that were not truly complete for years. There is no time frame rules for music, it doesn't exist in mans law of 'time'... it is infinite. the most difficult part of creating music is getting it produced so the listener can experience it as it is meant to be expressed. Although I do my own recording and mixing and so forth, I aim one day to have someone who can assist with mixing and producing it professionally as it is a very important to have it to its full integrity and spirit. If you feel you can help me in this, please do contact me.
Who is Octavia and why is it the name of your label?
As a small child I used to introduce my piano tunes when recording them onto a tape as being created by 'Octavia' it was an appropriate name as it was musical to me and I had only just learned what an 'Octave' was on the piano. I would write it on all the cassette tapes, which i still have some of today. So the name has always stayed with me. To me I think Octavia was always my more confident side, as I was extemely shy growing up and only felt confident when playing my piano, (well as long as nobody was actually watching me) So I thank Octavia for the gift of all the melodies and music. It is in 'Octavia's Dream' that all the world be filled with music that soothes and lifts our hearts.
I choose to be independent of official labels, as my music is not for 'taking on the road' and as I am not a great vocalist as such, it is my musical abilities I wish to develop and are my strengths. I do not want to be forced to 'fit into' a specific genre/style just to get sales for the sake of someone else's pocket who has no passion for my sounds. I wish to guard the integrity of my music. It may well be a more difficult road, but my goal is purely to share it and for as long s I am able to play my piano and create it, so there is no 'contract to end' because I am not in a great hurry for my music to get noticed, by the charts, as long as there are some that notice it because it touches their spirit, I will do my best to get it to the ears of those who with to draw close and hear.
Inspiration is always with me, however an adequate budget is not. So i am always appreciative of any support in purchasing my music and crafts and/or donations no matter how small help more than you know to get my music to you.
What are your dreams?
I have always had the dream of my music being performed by a full orchestra, I love harmony especially and am working on a piece for choir and orchestra. I also have a project since 2007 of a song cycle telling the story of the great self taught mathematician and scientist of the 17th century in France, Emilie du Chatelet.
?
